Storage container

ABSTRACT

A flexible or semi-flexible storage container comprises a container body formed from one or more pieces of flexible or semi-flexible sheet material. Flexibly attached to the container body by one or more flexible assembly mechanisms are complimentary enclosure pieces, which when assembled together form an enclosed container. The flexible assembly mechanism comprises a zipper mechanism, however equivalent mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners and the like are considered in various other exemplary embodiments. The flexible or semi-flexible storage container may be selectively opened, sealed, and resealed, as described herein. In addition to being self-supporting, flexible or semi-flexible storage containers are also readily foldable or collapsible to provide easy storage that occupies minimal space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of currently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/965,561 entitled “STORAGE CONTAINER” filed Oct. 13, 2004, and hereby incorporated herein by reference. This application further claims priority to eight (8) U.S. Design Application Nos. 29/256,676, 29/256,877, 29/256,670, 29/256,671, 29/256,672, 29/256,673, 29/256,674, and 29/256,675, each entitled “Storage Container” and filed on Mar. 23, 2006, and hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of storage containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to storage containers that when unassembled are essentially “two-dimensional” and when assembled are “three-dimensional.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flexible storage bags for containing and protecting various items, as well as preserving perishable materials such as food items, have long been available. Such flexible bags, for example trash bags or sandwich bags, typically comprise a flexible, rectangular sheet of polymeric film folded upon itself, and sealed along two side edges to form a semi-enclosed container/pouch having two opposing flexible sidewalls; three sealed or folded edges, and one open edge. A closure mechanism integrally formed about the bag opening, such as an interlocking rib-type “zip-loc” seal, or a separately provided, plastic or paper-clad-wire tie, completes the containment assembly.

As used herein, the term “flexible” generally refers to materials that are capable of being flexed or bent, especially repeatedly, such that they are pliant and yield in response to externally applied forces. Accordingly, “flexible” is substantially opposite in meaning to the terms inflexible, rigid, or unyielding. Materials and structures that are flexible, therefore, may be altered in shape and structure to accommodate external forces and to conform to the shape of objects brought into contact with them without losing their integrity. Flexible storage containers, or bags, of the foregoing variety are typically comprised of polymeric films, such as polyethylene or other members of the polyolefin family, and have a thickness of between about 0.0002 inches to about 0.002 inches. Such films are frequently transparent but may be opaque and/or colored.

As is generally well known by consumers, conventional, flexible storage containers, such as trash/garden/kitchen bags, create an inherent challenge in terms of being able to maintain the flexible or flaccid bag in the open condition. Often the user struggles to keep the bag open with one hand so that the other hand can manipulate other items to fill or place into the bag. It is likewise difficult to maintain the proper orientation (usually upright) of the opening of the bag during such filling or placing operations. While rigid containers, and flaccid containers with reinforced opening perimeters, have been developed to overcome such challenges, their comparatively higher cost and limited economical storability when not in use, leaves room for improvement. Notwithstanding the issue of maintaining the container or bag opening in a statically open condition, there also remains a need for a flexible yet self-standing container with the foregoing attributes to facilitate easy hands-free filling.

Turning towards rigid or semi-rigid containers, it is well recognized that such containers have also realized a fair degree of commercial success in providing a means for storing a wide variety of contents. Such containers typically have an opening that maintains an open condition for filling, and they are typically self-supporting having the opening in the proper orientation for filling. Such containers also are frequently provided with flat bottoms and tops to provide improved stability and “stackability.” The useful life of such containers, though, is limited by damage, soiling, or other degradation naturally occurring as a result of recurrent use, including degradation of the typical closure mechanisms. Storage of such three-dimensional, rigid or semi-rigid containers when not in use is also a concern, since such containers occupy as much space to store when empty as they do filled, and is a significant disadvantage to users in locations where space is at premium, such as a college dormitory, or an inner city loft. Another concern is the task of often matching separate lids and/or closures with their respective containers.

Accordingly, what is needed is a flexible or semi-flexible storage container combining the desirable qualities of both flexible bags and rigid storage containers, yet minimizing the less desirable qualities of both. More particularly, it would be desirable to provide a semi-flexible storage container having improved “storability” when empty. It would further be desirable to provide such a container that is capable of being self-supporting in an open condition for filling purposes, yet, as mentioned, store easily by folding into a compact form.

It would be yet further desirable to provide such a container that provides the foregoing attributes in a convenient unitary form, obviating the need for separate closure devices, such as lids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a flexible or semi-flexible storage container comprising various sheets of flexible or semi-flexible material is provided. The container comprises flexible hinges to allow the container to fold away into a quasi-two-dimensional form when empty, yet also allows the container to assemble into a three-dimensional container useful for storing items. In addition to flexible hinges, the flexible or semi-flexible storage container includes various “assembling” mechanisms for transforming and securing the storage container from the quasi-two-dimensional shape to the three-dimensional shape useful for storing items.

Accordingly, an exemplary flexible or semi-flexible storage container of the present invention combines the desirable qualities of both flexible bags and rigid storage containers, yet minimizes the less desirable qualities of both. The exemplary storage containers exhibit improved “sealability” to promote secureness, improved storage by easily folding into a compact form, and/or improved construction having a unitary assembly from inexpensive materials thereby promoting disposability.

Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinarily skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other meaning is intended, the specification will specifically state that a special meaning is being applied to a word or phrase. Likewise, the use of the words “function” or “means” in the Description of Preferred Embodiments is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, are sought to be invoked to define the invention(s), the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in support of the function. Even when the claims recite a “means for” or “step for” performing a function, if they also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means of step, then the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, are invoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structure, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which the reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container in a compact, unassembled, “two-dimensional” state;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container showing a first step towards assembling the container from the “two-dimensional” state into the “three-dimensional” state;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container showing continued manipulation to assemble the container from the “two-dimensional” state into the “three-dimensional” state;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container showing the container in the complete assembled, “three-dimensional” state;

FIG. 4 a illustrates a close up perspective view of an exemplary container showing the assembling and closure mechanisms;

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, and 5 d illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present invention showing various exemplary shape configurations of the containers; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing a container having multiple compartments and optionally an external strap to facilitate handling, hanging, toting, and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be described herein in terms of various functional components. It should be appreciated that such functional components may be realized by any number of hardware components or materials configured to perform the specified functions. In addition, the present invention may be practiced in any number of storage contexts and that the container systems described herein are merely one exemplary application for the invention. Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for using a storage container, and such general techniques that may be known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail herein.

The present invention is a device that is useful for storing items, yet can be manipulated during non-use to exhibit a substantially two-dimensional (“2-D”) “flat” form. As used herein, the term “two-dimensional” generally refers to the physical condition of the product being folded, manipulated, disassembled, and the like into a substantially flat configuration. Thus, the product in its two-dimensional form has substantially zero internal volume, having dimensions that comprise of merely a length and a width, and a thickness approximately equal to the number of sheets, end pieces, panels or layers multiplied by each sheets, end pieces, panels or layers respective thickness.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 1, a flexible or semi-flexible container 10 is illustrated. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, flexible or semi-flexible storage container 10 includes a substantially flat container body 20 formed from at least one piece of flexible or semi-flexible sheet material. Flexibly attached to container body 20 by a flexible assembling mechanism 25 are substantially flat first and second end pieces 21 and 23, which when assembled together form an enclosed container. In one embodiment, an exemplary flexible assembly mechanism 25 comprises a zipper mechanism, however equivalent mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, Velcro, snaps, and other like mechanisms that are suitably configured to operate in a similar manner, are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. Flexible or semi-flexible storage container 10 may be selectively opened, sealed, and resealed, as will be described hereinafter. In addition to being self-supporting, flexible or semi-flexible storage container 10 may also be readily folded or collapsed to provide easy storage and thereby occupy minimal space.

In an exemplary configuration depicted in FIG. 1, flexible assembly mechanism 25 completely surrounds the periphery of container body 20 in addition to first and second end pieces, 21 and 23. However, in other exemplary embodiments flexible assembly mechanism 25 may surround the periphery to a less complete degree such as, for example, a flexible assembly mechanism 25 may be disposed along only one side of second end piece 23, which may likewise provide adequate closure integrity.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and mentioned briefly above, FIG. 1 depicts storage container 10 in the unassembled 2-D state wherein the flexible assembly mechanism 25 has yet to be executed. In accordance with an exemplary method for assembly, FIGS. 2 and 3 depict flexible or semi-flexible storage container 10 of FIG. 1 in two different partially assembled conditions, illustrating the progression of transforming the exemplary embodiment from the 2-D configuration into the “three-dimensional” (“3-D”) configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, ends of container body 20 are folded or otherwise brought together in part from executing assembly mechanism 25 until closure. For example, FIG. 4 depicts the exemplary tubular embodiment of the flexible or semi-flexible storage container typical of that shown in FIG. 1, but now in the assembled condition.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, in assembling storage container 10, first and second ends 31 and 32 of container body 20 are releasably attached to each other, thereby forming a hollow body with first and second openings (not shown). First end piece 21 is then releasable attached to first opening 33 in container body 20. Second end piece 23, may be releasably attached to second opening 34, for example, when items have been placed into storage container 10. However, because end pieces 21 and 23 are releasably attached to container body 20 they may be reopened for access to the interior of storage container 10 and resealed as the user desires.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the “tube-type” container progressing from the substantially flat and/or compact and advantageously storable 2-D configuration into the 3-D configuration, similar progressions for other shapes and sizes fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 c and 5 d, a rectangular container body 20 may be folded in four places corresponding to the corners of a rectangular prism having the outline equivalent in shape to end pieces 21 and 23. These folds are preferably unitarily formed in the material of the container body 20 as is typical of hinges commonly referred to as “living hinges”. Alternatively, however, these comers may be formed of a flexible material such as cloth or the like and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Moreover, such rectangular shapes may be of various length, width and height dimensions, and/or other shapes and sizes, such as octagonal, hexagonal, triangular or any other like configuration can be realized. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 a-5 b, storage container 10 comprises various sizes. For example FIG. 5 a shows an exemplary embodiment wherein storage container 10 comprises a larger diameter container, but a shorter lengthwise dimension than that shown in FIGS. 1-4. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 5 b, container 10 comprises a smaller diameter container having a greater length then that shown in FIGS. 1-4.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 c-5 d, storage container 10 may also comprise various other shapes. For example FIG. 5 c shows an exemplary embodiment, wherein storage container 10 comprises a “box-type” container. Similar to the “tube-type” configuration shown in FIGS. 1-4, the box-type container likewise assembles into a 3-D container and disassembles into a substantially 2-D form. Also, similar to the “tube-like” structure, this configuration may comprise all of the elements encompassed in the “tube-like” configuration, for example, the “box-type” configuration comprises an assembly mechanism, such as zippers, to secure the container into the 3-D form, and may likewise comprise toting or carrying straps, integral pockets, integrated ID tags, and the like. These exemplary embodiments illustrate how storage container 10 is virtually unlimited among various configurations to accommodate the storage needs of a consumer.

As will become apparent by viewing the sequence of steps depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the flexible or semi-flexible sheet, panels, or layer material utilized to form the body of the bag/container is sufficiently flexible, semi-flexible, and yieldable, yet durable enough to accommodate being assembled into the side pieces of the container body, as the storage container is assembled between the unassembled state of FIG. 1 and the assembled state of FIG. 4.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments suitable for constructing the flexible or semi-flexible storage containers of the present invention, such embodiments comprise various homogeneous or heterogeneous compositions, or a combination of both. For example, compositions comprise substantially impermeable materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), coated non-wovens, and the like, and substantially permeable materials such as scrims, meshes, wovens, non-wovens, or perforated or porous films, whether predominately two-dimensional in nature or comprising three-dimensional structures. Such compositions may comprise a single composition or layer, or may comprise a composite structure of multiple materials, including a substrate material utilized as a base upon which a second substance may be applied. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, materials for the panels can include high and low density polyethylene films, for example from 0.0050 to 0.1 thickness or more. However, various other configurations and thicknesses and materials may be utilized, such as for example, substantially rigid panels that simply rely on the living hinges for adaptability into a 2-D structure.

Moreover, in an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the various sheets that comprise the various panels of the product may comprise of different materials. For example, the sheets that make-up the “side walls” and “top” may comprise a flexible or semi-flexible material, while the sheet that comprises the “bottom” and that will support the load of the eventual contents, may comprise a more durable, rigid material. In an exemplary embodiment, such “bottom” sheet may further comprise a textured surface to enhance stability of the stored contents by preventing excessive movement or “sliding.” Still further, to prevent crinkling of surface panels in instances where some type of plastic panel is utilized, a sand surface grit, e.g., from approximately 0.3 mil to 0.6 mil in thickness may be used.

Thus, materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include such compositions that exhibit a structure such as a sheet, pane, film, panel, board, plank, plate, lath, and the like form comprising various thicknesses, and ranging in rigidity from inflexible to completely flexible. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the various sheet panels comprise high or low density polyethylene having a thickness ranging from about 0.01 mil to about 0.6 mil or more. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any material or compositions that may be configured to act as an enclosure sheet of the container may fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, in accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the panel structures can comprise pockets, e.g., made of cloth or fabric or other flexible material, with substantially flat panels comprising various flexible, semi-flexible or rigid materials inserted into the pockets to provide a storage container.

Once the desired sheet, panel or layer materials are manufactured in any desirable and suitable manner, comprising all or part of the materials to be utilized for the container body, the storage container may be constructed in any known and suitable fashion such as those known in the art for making such containers in commercially available form. Heat or adhesive sealing technologies may be utilized to join various components or elements of the container to themselves or to each other. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the various components or elements can be secured by using at least a double stitching configuration. In another aspect, the various components or elements are secured by using a reinforcing swatch, strip or backer, for example, plastic or other semi-flexible, semi-rigid or rigid strips; in this manner the thickness of the material at the point of attachment of the component or element is increased and thus, localized support is increased. In still yet another exemplary embodiment, the various components or elements can be secured by using various chemical adhesives instead of, or in conjunction with, the physical securing elements, such as the double stitching, to provide further support and durability.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, an exemplary storage container can also comprise various elements to enhance the utilization of the invention. For example, and with reference to FIG. 6, container 10 comprises various straps or handles, such as handle 50, to facilitate handling, toting carrying, hanging, and the like. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, container 10 comprises an identification tag or label (not shown) such that the user can mark container 10 for organizational and/or identification purposes. In still yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, container 10 comprises, alone or in various combinations, telescopic/collapsible handles, integrated casters, rollers, runners, and the like elements (also not shown) to facilitate transportation of the container.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, rather then comprising of a plurality of sheets that can assemble into a 3-D form, parts of an exemplary storage container may otherwise be thermoformed, blown, or molded rather than rely upon folding and bonding techniques to construct the container bodies from a web or sheet of material as described herein.

Container 10, in still yet another exemplary embodiment, comprises various compartments, pockets, pouches, and the like that may be suitably attached in various manners to provide addition storage. For example, turning momentarily to FIG. 6, sheet 20 comprises pocket 60 wherein once container 10 has been assembled into the 3-D form, pocket 60 provides additional storage. Similarly, because pocket 60, in an exemplary embodiment, lies flat against sheet 20, when container 10 is folded away into the 2-D form, pocket 60 does not detract from accomplishing such 2-D form.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 6, container 10 comprises multiple compartments. For example, a second container portion 40 is suitably connected to primary container 20 at one end. In this manner a user can segregate various items that they wish to keep in close proximity, but perhaps not have share the same storage volume. For example, in this instance a user may use primary container 20 to store wrapping paper and use attached second container portion 40 to store bows, ribbons, tags, etc., so as prevent damage had they otherwise been stored in the main container.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that second container portion 40 is similarly configured as main container 10 as described herein. For example, container portion 40 comprises a body portion 42, a first end 41, a second end 43 and assembly mechanisms 45. In this exemplary embodiment, container portion 40 is suitably attached to main container portion 20 at end 31. Container portion 40 is configured to disassemble to a 2-D configuration and assemble into a 3-D configuration similarly as described above herein. In addition, a plurality of flexible hinges can be implemented along the length of container 10 to allow for suitably collapsing of container 10, e.g., container 10 illustrated in FIG. 6 can be suitably folded in one, two or three places to provide a 2-D collapsible container configuration, e.g., one that collapses to approximately one-third the length dimension of that illustrated when fully opened.

It should likewise be appreciated however, that second portion 40 may comprise of a completely separate storage body, having all of the attributes of the present invention as described herein, and may removably attach to main container portion 20. In this manner, any X number of units may be attached together to accommodate the storage needs of the user, and is considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

For decorative purposes, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments, storage container 10 may be screen printed or otherwise decorated. Adhesively attached decorations are considered to likewise fall within the scope of this disclosure as well.

Finally, storage container 10 may include structural supports (not shown) that abut or are embedded within the flexible assembly mechanisms 25, such as metal or plastic rods. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, such supports may be included in the fabric portion of the zipper.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein above and in the various drawing figures. While these descriptions and figures describe various exemplary embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations of the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventor that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in applicable art(s), and as logic dictates. The description and the terms used are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The particular embodiments discussed and shown were chosen to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A storage container comprises: a substantially flat container body having at least one flexible binge; and an assembly mechanism configured to secure said substantially flat container body into a three dimensional container.
 2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the assembly mechanism comprises a zipper.
 3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the substantially flat body comprises three panels configured to assemble into a tube having a first end enclosure and a second end enclosure.
 4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the substantially flat body comprises six panels configured to assemble into a box having at least one end enclosure.
 5. The storage container of claim 1, wherein a portion of said substantially flat body comprises at least two different materials.
 6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein a portion of said substantially flat body comprises at least two different thickness materials.
 7. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising a pocket suitably attached to a portion of said substantially flat body.
 8. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising a handle suitably attached to a portion of said substantially flat body.
 9. The storage container of claim 8, wherein said handle is suitably attached through reinforcement strips.
 10. The storage container of claim 9, wherein said handle is reinforced to said substantially flat body through double-stitching.
 11. The storage container of claim 1, comprising an assembly mechanism to allow at least a second storage container to suitably connect to said storage container.
 12. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said substantially flat container body comprises a sand surface construction to avoid crinkling.
 13. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising at least one selected from the group of a telescopic handle, rollers, casters, and runners, that is suitably attached to said substantially flat body and to facilitate transportation of the storage container when in the three dimensional form.
 14. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said substantially flat container body comprises at least three flexible hinges.
 15. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said substantially flat container body comprises at least one pocket configured to hold at least one of a semi-rigid and a substantially rigid panel. 